Update

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) held a
public hearing on January 21, 2015, regarding a proposed new rule. The rule, as
proposed, would prohibit the application of any product containing dinotefuran,
imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, or clothianidin, regardless of application method,
to linden trees, basswood trees or other Tilia species.

Comments were accepted on the proposed new rule from
December 12, 2014, until 5 p.m. January 21, 2015. These comments were carefully
reviewed and considered by ODA. Some of the commenters suggested that ODA
should only prohibit the use of dinotefuran and imidacloprid, and not also
prohibit the use thiamethoxam and clothianidin on linden trees.

After much deliberation, the department decided to
prohibit the application of any product containing dinotefuran, imidacloprid,
thiamethoxam, or clothianidin, regardless of application method, to linden
trees, basswood trees or other Tilia
species.

The permanent rule (OAR 603-057-0388) went into effect on
February 27, 2015. The rule supersedes label language. This means that even if
a pesticide user has a pesticide label which provides directions for use on
linden trees, ornamental trees (or a similar site), the product can not be used
on linden trees, basswood trees or other Tilia
species in the State of Oregon.

Certificate and Order for Filing on Prohibiting Neonicotinoid Applications to Linden Trees

Rule Prohibiting Neonicotinoid Applications to Linden Trees

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Hearing on Neonicotinoid Use on Linden Trees

Statement of Need and Fiscal Impact for Proposed Neonicotinoid Rule

​​Pollinators

Pollinators are extremely important to Oregon's agricultural community, pollinating many crops. Oregon is proactive in protecting bees and other pollinators and currently requires specific label language prohibiting the use of the neonicotinoid pesticides, dinotefuran and imidacloprid, on linden, basswood and Tilia species trees.

At the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has required special label restrictions to neonicotinoid pesticides in order to protect pollinators. The active ingredients that will have special label language are as follows:

Clothianidin

Dinotefuran

Imidacloprid

Thiamethoxam

Resources

Alternatives to Neonicotinoid Insecticides (except for acetamiprid) for Use on Landscape Ornamentals